Glut of supply pushes rents down (UK)

The net balances of surveyors reporting new instructions to let both flats and houses (an indicator of supply) are now at historical highs. 50% and 68% more chartered surveyors reported a rise than a fall in new instructions to let flats and houses respectively. Surveyors report that frustrated vendors are placing their property on the market to let as they have been unable to agree sales due to a lack of demand in the housing market.

The influx of supply onto the market has forced downward pressure on rents. The net balance of chartered surveyors reporting rises or falls in rents fell from a positive 31% in Q2 to a negative -12% in Q3, the lowest level in the survey's history.

London and the Southeast have been hardest hit with the net balance of surveyors reporting rises or falls in rents for London houses falling from a stable 0% in the second quarter to negative -53% in the third quarter, while flats fell from a positive 5% to a negative -33%. However the biggest turn around was in the South East, with the net balance of surveyors reporting rises or falls in rents for houses plummeting from 53% to -33%. Equally, expectations for future rises in rents turned pessimistic for the first time since July 2002.

Demand for rental property remained positive in Q3. Housing transactions are at the lowest level since records began as banks continue to limit the availability of finance to the vast majority of buyers. 27% more chartered surveyors reported a rise than a fall in rental demand compared to 36% in the previous quarter. The falling pace of demand can be attributed to the fact that many have now accepted their lot in the current climate and are sitting tight until the housing market picks up.

RICS spokesperson James Scott-Lee commented: "The lettings sector has witnessed a boom in 2008 as sales in the housing market continued to slow. Many have been able to take advantage of rising rents to secure good returns. However, the market place has become more and more competitive as many vendors have been forced to become amateur landlords, creating an inevitable downward pressure on rents where supply has matched demand. With national average house prices set to weaken in 2009, yields may increase for those investors who can provide the right product for the right market place."